Chapter 1017 1018【It must be given first】
Kyoto, the imperial city.
In the imperial study, most of the ministers in purple clothes were present, except for Mo Haoli, the left governor of the East Palace.
The situation in the court was in chaos, just like watching flowers through the fog. The temporary ups and downs were not surprising, but Emperor Kaiping's trust and respect for Mo Haoli had already exceeded the normal range. Logically speaking, given Mo Haoli's age and body
In this situation, Emperor Kaiping had become worthy of this veteran of the Four Dynasties after retaining him in more than ten resignation papers.
Furthermore, Mo Haoli had gathered the three princes into one during his lifetime. After his death, he would most likely be given the posthumous title of Wenzheng, which was the pinnacle that civil servants could achieve in the past dynasties. His favor could not be increased, and he would have no regrets in resigning and returning home.
However, Emperor Kaiping insisted on retaining his official position, and his attitude was extremely tough. The officials had no choice but to praise the Holy Emperor.
After all, neither the right-wing leader Luo Ting nor the political participant Han Gongduan expressed different opinions, and others were not qualified to comment on this matter.
Compared with Mo Haoli, who had decided to leave but was left in the capital by Emperor Kaiping, another veteran of the Three Dynasties seemed to be obsessed with power. He sat in the position of Zuo Junji in Xifu for fifteen years, and from his position
Judging from his physical condition, it seems he can still sit for many more years.
The era of these veterans will eventually come to an end, and the difference lies in how they will withdraw from the core of power in Daliang.
But Wang Pingzhang did not seem to be aware of this problem. In addition to transferring most of the military affairs of the Xifu to Gu Liang, he still attended every court meeting diligently and persistently.
Recently, Huang Rentai, the imperial censor, also submitted a request for a begging for the bones. Emperor Kaiping naturally also accepted the offer, but the reward for the chief official of Xantai was not as generous as Mo Haoli.
In contrast, Wang Pingzhang's silence is a bit conspicuous.
Everyone knows that after Zhongshan Hou Pei Yue puts down the barbarian rebellion, the imperial court will truly enter a state of blood change, which will be marked by the appointment of the crown prince, the transfer of power in the East Palace and the adjustment of the military structure.
As the dust of the peace talks in the southern border has settled, Daliang can finally prepare for the national war according to the established steps. Both the civil service group and Wu Xun's relatives will have a rare opportunity to rise in more than ten years. Someone who takes the position will inevitably need the elderly to give up.
position, Mo Haoli and Huang Rentai were obviously aware of this, so they expressed their attitudes early on.
Wang Pingzhang did not do that, so memorials to impeach him have been appearing in recent times.
What is surprising is that most of these impeachment memorials have something to say, and are by no means the catch-phrase that some censors used to do in the past.
The contents of the impeachment include Wang Pingzhang's acceptance of property to promote generals, the Wang family's children being tyrannical in the capital, Wei Guogong's stewards and servants bullying good people, and even several cases of brothel singers who were tortured to death by Wang's side brothers.
There are many kinds of them, just to name a few.
For a man who had a military career of more than forty years and held great power in the military for fifteen years, the degree of troublesomeness of these crimes depended on the emperor's attitude.
It was extremely quiet in the royal study, and all the important ministers looked at their noses and minds.
Emperor Kaiping flipped through the thick memorial in front of him. Even though he had read it before, he was still reading it leisurely at this moment. Such a posture made the officials confused as to whether he was going to put it down gently or make a big fuss.
Wang Pingzhang looked as usual, but his face finally showed a bit of an old look.
After a long time, Emperor Kaiping put down the last memorial and said slowly: "It's a bunch of nonsense."
Luo Ting frowned slightly and said bluntly: "Your Majesty, I feel that no matter whether what those memorials say is true or not, since there are so many accusations, it must be investigated to clear Wei Guogong's innocence."
Emperor Kaiping smiled and said: "Luo Qing, you have been an official for so many years, how come you can't even see these tricks clearly? Let me ask you, in terms of the charges of impeachment in these memorials, which noble mansion can't be found?"
Everyone was a little uncomfortable with His Majesty the Emperor's sudden change of style. They had never heard him speak so bluntly before.
Luo Ting shook his head and said: "I dare not refute Your Majesty, but as far as I know, there should be an honorable mansion in the capital that can be as clean as this."
Emperor Kaiping asked seriously: "Which family is it?"
Luo Ting met his gaze and replied calmly: "Zhongshan Marquis Mansion."
Emperor Kaiping was speechless.
He seemed unwilling to continue this topic, so he turned to Wang Pingzhang and said, "Wei Guogong."
"I'm here."
"I will not hand over these matters to a supervisor for investigation. You can handle them by yourself these days. If there are such unfilial children and cunning slaves in the family, just tie them up and send them to Kyoto Prefecture to let Su Ping deal with them according to law."
"Old minister, I would like to thank His Majesty for His grace!"
Wang Pingzhang showed a hint of excitement and at the same time paid homage.
Emperor Kaiping signaled Liu Bao to help him up, and then said gently: "How can things be so clear in the world? A martial artist like Pei Yue is an anomaly. If he didn't have the golden touch, he wouldn't be able to achieve the goal of keeping the breeze on his sleeves. I
I believe in your integrity and character, so there is no need to worry."
Wang Pingzhang said with emotion: "Your Majesty, I am really ashamed that I have failed to live up to your Majesty's expectations and trust, so that there are so many people who violate laws and disciplines in my family. I dare not defend myself today. I only hope that your Majesty will remember my kindness for so many years."
In exchange for the meager hard work, I allowed the veteran to resign and return to his hometown to spend the rest of his life."
You could almost hear a pin drop in the royal study.
Seeing Emperor Kaiping's silence, Wang Pingzhang said again: "I have been deeply favored by your Majesty. From being the commander of the first battalion to today, I have enjoyed all the glory and wealth. I dare not covet power anymore. I sincerely ask for your permission."
Emperor Kaiping glanced at Gu Liang, who was standing next to Wang Pingzhang with a calm expression, and said slowly: "The Duke of Wei is the capital of the country, how can he leave lightly? I would really not be at peace without you in charge of Xifu."
Wang Pingzhang said sincerely: "Gu Junji is much better than the old minister. In addition, if a great talent like Xiao Jin, the Marquis of Xiangcheng, can be promoted to the Xifu to help, the military strength of Liang will definitely be improved to a higher level. Your Majesty, the old minister still has something in his heart.
A small wish.”
Emperor Kaiping nodded and said: "You say."
Wang Pingzhang said: "This year's Yanping hunting expedition is scheduled to start on May 29th. I hope to witness the power of the Daliang army for the last time."
He paused slightly and said movingly: "Your Majesty, I started as a soldier in the Beijing camp and stayed in the Beijing camp for nineteen years. Every time I think about those years, I always miss those years. Now that I am already sixty-six, I have resigned.
I think I will never return to Kyoto after I become an official. I hope your majesty can forgive my selfishness."
Emperor Kaiping sighed: "That's right, I will accompany you to see the splendor of each camp of the Beijing Army."
Wang Pingzhang said gratefully: "Old minister, I thank you for your holy grace!"
Seeing that he was about to kneel down again, Emperor Kaiping signaled with his eyes, Liu Bao quickly stepped forward to support him.
From beginning to end, except for Luo Ting who expressed his attitude at the beginning, no one else spoke.
In fact, many people are in a daze at this moment. Could it be that the largest military leader in this dynasty after Pei Yuan resigned from the court so easily? The transfer of power in the army was so smooth?
At this moment, Sheng Duanming, the Minister of Rites, came out and said loudly: "Your Majesty, I have this memorial."
Emperor Kaiping said: "Speak."
Sheng Duanming's sonorous voice echoed in the royal study: "I would like to ask your Majesty to appoint a crown prince to stabilize the country!"
Chapter completed!